Lawmakers Override Patrick's Transportation Bill Veto
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts lawmakers have voted to override Gov. Deval Patrick's veto of a transportation financing bill.
Patrick vetoed the bill after lawmakers rejected his demand to add a provision allowing for a gas tax increase if tolls on the western portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike come down as scheduled in 2017.
The House voted 123-33 to override Patrick's veto. The Senate followed a short time later, voting 35-5 to override.
The bill contains a 3 cent per gallon hike in the gas tax, along with a $1 per pack increase in the cigarette tax.
The bill seeks to modernize the state's transportation system and end chronic deficits at the MBTA.
Patrick argues that the bill doesn't account for the loss of toll revenue.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo said the fate of the tolls is still uncertain.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
